GTA launches hiking trail to mark Tenzing’s birth anniversary

EOI, DARJEELING, MAY 29, 2024 : To mark the birth anniversary of legendary mountaineer Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration on Wednesday introduced a day long hiking trail for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

May 29 marks the 110th birth anniversary of Tenzing Norgay and 71st year of summit of Everest. On this day in 1953 Tenzing and Sir Edmund Hillary scaled the highest peak on earth for the first time.

The hiking trail will start from Chowrasta, the most popular square of Darjeeling and end at Sidrapong which is considered as the first hydroelectric project of Asia. The 10 km trail will take tourists through picturesque landscapes and lush green tea gardens. There will be stops at the Tibetan Museum, Tenzing's house, Ava Art Gallery, the historic Burdwan Palace and the Arya tea garden, all of which are located in low altitude and tourist hiking friendly.

"In the past too the GTA introduced short hiking trails for tourists and adventure enthusiasts. This year we have launched a 10 km trail from Chowrasta to Sidrabong. We have already conducted a trial run and have found that is will be convenient and easy for the tourists," said the GTA's department of adventure tourism, coordinator, Dawa Gyalpo Sherpa. The return journey will be by vehicles via the Orange Valley tea estate.

Last year, the GTA introduced a 12 km hiking trail from Chowrasta to Tiger Hill. "With these long hiking trails, we intend to promote eco-friendly tourism and encourage tourists to take up healthier travel activities," the GTA adventure tourism department coordinator saikd.

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute organized a programme during the day to commemorate Tenzing's birth anniversary. Floral tribute was offered at the Samadhi of Tenzing located within the HMI premise.

"It is a matter of great pride that he (Tenzing Norgay) was the first field director of our institute. We continue to follow in his footstep. The tourists got to know about the birth anniversary of the first person to summit Everest and his connection with the HMI," said the HMI principal, Group Captain Jai Kishan. Tenzing died on May 9, 1986 in Darjeeling and was cremated inside the HMI and his Samadhi has now become a popular must visit spot.

Tenzing's son Jamling Tenzing Norgay reiterated the demand for conferring the legendary figure with the Bharat Ratna. “It is the demand of the Sherpa community and people of Darjeeling Hills. My father was the first Indian to summit Everest and bring the country to limelight just a few years after the British left. My father was also the first non-political recognized icon who inspired people all over the world. We will continue to request the Government to respect the wish of the people," he said.